Tag: indiegaming

New Game Trailer – Mighty No. 9

Mighty No. 9 – Beat Them at Their Own Game | PS4, PS3, PS Vita

  • Release Date: September 15, 2015
  • Publishers: Deep Silver, Development:  Comcept USA, Inti Creates
  • Platform: PS4, PS3, PS Vita, 3DS, XB1
  • Official Site: www.mightyno9.com

Synopsis:

“Classic Japanese side-scrolling action, evolved and transformed by Keiji Inafune, an all-star team of veteran Mega Man devs…and YOU!.”

– Original Kickstarter campaign, as it was successfully crowd-funded.  Mighty No. 9 is the spiritual successor to the original Mega Man X side-scrolling game classics, and the creation of Keiji Inafune.  Inafune, is best known for his work as the original co-character designer of the Blue Bomber, and designed many other characters throughout the Mega man and Mega Man X series, while as producer to many throughout the series. Mighty No. 9 is his personal project from his own company, Comcept.

Personal Thoughts:

I am a huge die-hard fan of the Mega Man X and Mega Man: Zero spinoff games, as I have played many times over the years. Now, those games feel further distant as classics from a past age. Since then, I felt the side-scrollers of our modern era have slowed down. Yes, there have been good games..but nothing comes to mind matching that action packed intensity, dynamic control, and the music/visual feel of the magnificent Mega-Man X series.

I couldn’t put my finger on why we have not, until I saw the first looks of the Mighty No. 9 game via the Kickstarter, last year.  I see the heart and soul back from the Mega Man games, via the return of Keiji Inafune, who put his imagination and vision from that, into this. I see it all, plain as a summer’s day…but with awesome robot-on-robot action all around.

Screenshot 2015-06-03 23.24.02

It;s all back, with the dashing, high jumps and pew-pewing. The crazy power-ups and special upgrades, I see. The crazy enemy bosses, with some unique angle of sophistication in their design and environments. And those designs, still that classic inventive touch by Inafune. I see again, that combination of vibrant colors, sharp edges; brought together with childlike wonder and imagination.  The hyperquick smooth control of the character calls me back, with the true extent of what platforms must bring (not just the nostalgia), and beyond. To me, this thrill of good side-scrolling action is like going through a comic-book, but sped-up with uncountable pages. Panels, screens..same difference..right?

Overall, Mighty No 9 is a brave new world in wait for its new fandom, without the convoluted burdens of the old history of Mega man. I can’t wait to press start, and see how many years will the whole gameplay experience take me. This is Inafune’s own child now, to own to raise and grow. Best of all, it’s with the fans, of the old and new; who together helped make it all possible.

– Orion T

Screenshot 2015-06-03 23.24.08

Game Trailer – Evoland 2

Evoland 2 Official Trailer

  • Release Date: Summer 2015
  • Publishers: Shiro Games
  • Platform: Windows, probable others in the future.
  • Official Site: www.evoland2.com
  • Notes: Sequel to the first Evoland game. It is schedule to be released for the summer of 2015, hoever can be preordered now from the Evoland 2 official site.

Synopsis:

“Evoland 2 is the spiritual successor to the original Evoland with its graphics style changing as you travel through time and it’s gameplay evolving as you move along the storyline. It is also a much bigger game and a classic RPG at heart, with a complex scenario based on time travel, dozens of characters with their own backgrounds and ambitions and vastly different gameplay styles that are linked to the story and the player’s actions. Full of humor and references to classic games, the aptly named Evoland 2, A Slight Case of Spacetime Continuum Disorder will bring a truly epic and extraordinary adventure, unlike anything you’ve ever played before!.”

– Official site, http://www.evoland2.com

Personal Thoughts:

I enjoyed the hell out of the original Evoland, though it was short and easy for this experienced player.

The original was more than the quirky premise of the many past console RPG games since the mid 1980s. The gameplay contained much on reverential humor, poking fun at tropes and overused plot devices. Players like myself got the frequent snark, especially at some cumbersome elements (yes, village music is terrible), as it just went ahead and reused them anyway (argh, not another random encounter!). The main characters (Kaeris, Clink) were often parodies or tributes (pick one), of one or more beloved gaming icons.  The gameplay was solid and good, accompanied by a good soundtrack.

However, all was short and very limited. The land, very small and the changing elements of the game from classic to modern was too few, for being such an original concept that added to this game’s uniqueness. The ending felt rushed, and unfulfilling. All that was left, were hidden dungeons and some mundane side questing. This was acceptable for the price I paid, but I wanted more.

And now, we get more in Evoland 2. The trailer reveals much, and more into the history of gaming. I can tell the original creator (or creators), put a lot more into this. I see fighting games, shooting games, puzzle games..all no doubt are accounted for in the similar humor-filled homage-filled tone of the first. I also see a bit more of what the changing style of the original, hopefully not following a chronological order and adding to the story itself. The game is also likely bigger than the first, as all sequels should. I can also hope for some ridiculously overly expansive and contrived story development, that will expand upon the overly simple script of the first. Also, I have no doubt the gameplay and soundtrack will be just good, perhaps better than the first.  The new challenge elements look good, especially the side-scroller play. I look forward to all this nostalgia, with hopefully more meta humor added in.

Yes to Evoland 2.  I look forward!

– Orion T

Game Trailer – Death’s Gambit

Death’s Gambit Official Reveal Trailer

Synopsis:

“Death’s Gambit is a challenging Action-RPG where you explore an alien medieval planet filled with beasts, knights, and horrors. Climb big creatures that will test your resolve. Fight dangerous monsters that will make you think outside the box. Sacrifice everything for glory.”

– Official site, deathsgambit.com

Personal Thoughts:

Foremost, its pleasing to see more indie game developers keep the spirit of 2D side scrollers alive and well. The heart of side scrollers can be as engaging and involving in storytelling as any (and more so for many classics) as any 3D or virtual reality gimmick out there. Also, when art and aesthetics apply well in a 2D side scroller, I think you get a special artistic touch one can truly appreciate in a game of this type.

That being said, the look and feel of Death’s Gambit proves that once again, 2D will never die. The gameplay looks great, and the challenges look epic. I say this, based on the excitement and grandness of the trailer. While it looks great as a hack and slash, it seems to go beyond. The care given to the backgrounds and specialized character designs (retro, but not going overboard as such) show a unique feel, with some serious worldbuilding; without weighing us down with text and unnecessary game mechanics.

And yes, riding and dealing with giants is bit reminiscent of the PS2 classic Shadow of the Colossus, but I don’t think that’s fair to make such a quick comparison (as another site said in its title, leading me to this). I think it just reminds me that this can be as great a game as that, using the very underused concept of attacking giants. With the Attack on Titan anime/manga being such a popular franchise, I think the appeal of giants in fantasy fiction is something that’s just being explored now (and not overused like zombies these days).

Overall, this game looks great. I can’t compare it too much else out there, which is a great thing. The music is a nice touch as well, adding enrichment to the gameplay..a must for any epic game. I look forward to seeing this game finished, and me playing it (hoping to reach the Steam or mobile app departments).

– Orion T 

Game cover art. Looks awesome.

tumblr_nkgn3fhxN61tao0uno1_1280

Trailer – Terraria: Otherworld (teaser)

Trailer: Terraria: Otherworld Announcement Teaser

  • Release Date: Unknown
  • Publishers: Re-Logic, Engine Software
  • Official Site: www.terrariaotherworld.com
  • Notes: a “pre-alpha teaser”

What it’s about:

From terrariaotherworld.com

“Set in an alternate dimension within the Terraria universe, Terraria: Otherworld places the player in a life-and-death struggle to restore a once-pristine world – now overrun by a malevolent force that has corrupted nature itself – to its original splendor. Along with a rag-tag band of survivors, will you be able to successfully harness the power of an array of weaponry, magic, defenses, and even the world itself to thwart the designs of this unseen evil?

Combining the experience of sandbox gameplay with role-playing and strategy elements, Terraria: Otherworld explores the Terraria experience in an innovative and unique way – providing a fresh approach to the “open world” genre.”

Personal Thoughts:

It’s definitely not a sequel, which can be a good thing. There is less cheesy old school bit graphicness, which helped define the original Terraria.. Also, this seems to focus a bit more on some big story and your role in it, rather than the self-entrepreneur exploits of the original.  The tones and atmosphere in this tears implies a somewhat darker feel. Overall, Otherworld could take some time getting used to for hardcore Terraria fans (I am more of a casual).

So this is something of a side story, or spinoff. But often that implies a game that is not as large or grand as the original. Perhaps in the next “teaser,” we can raise our expectations. Hopefully, Otherworld will be as grand and expansive in gameplay as the original. For now, let us anticipate..

– Orion T